Church Re-Wiring - July 2024 

For many years now we have been very nervous about the state of the church wiring.  The installation probably dates back to the 1950s.  The system has had its safety checks and the electricians have been telling us for some time that the wiring is degrading.  A couple of years ago their predictions came true and the power to the organ failed.  We managed to recover this circuit, but last year the power circuits failed on the south side of the building.  The final ‘nail in the coffin’ was the presence of asbestos in the switch gear which dictated action. 

Therefore in 2021 we started with the fitting of new modern fuses and switchgear.  The thought here was that installing modern safety trips would protect both the congregation, and the building, should any further faults develop.  In 2022 we took the decision to replace the key wiring circuits within the building.  Several months of planning and conversations with both the electricians and the diocesan advisor allowed our requirements to be fleshed out.  The nature and significance of our building means we cannot fit normal domestic wiring.  Funding became available thanks to the generosity of our congregation, so in July 2024 the latest phase of the work started.

Key to this phase of work was the installation of some new heavy power feeds within the building.  The cable demanded by the diocese has proved an absolute nightmare to install.  Watching the sweat pouring off the electricians as they tried to force the cables into place was a sobering sight.  Much of the new cable is bright white: the only colour available.  Over the next few weeks we will be undertaking work to make the cables blend in.

Another significant hurdle was the main nave lighting.  We had hoped to leave these and replace later.  Once the scaffolding was in place the dire state of the wiring and the earthing of these lights was clear to see.  We had a choice: switch off the lights or re-wire then.  We had the scaffolding in place and the pews moved out of the way, so the decision was taken to re-wire.  Each of the lighting units has taken about 3 hours to deal with.  It has been good to have a team of electricians who work flexibly and with care in our building.

The work is not finished.  Power still has to be restored on the south side of the nave, the outer lighting units require re-wiring.  This will all happen at the end of September.  We also hope to remove some of the unused and unsightly cable. This will put in place the infrastructure to safely support our activities over the coming years.  It provides the potential to expand the provision of electrical power in the building.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to complete the work in the chancel.  The wiring to the sanctuary lights is 1930’s rubber cable and not in a good state.  However, the chancel roof is a long way up.  Further than electricians' scaffolding can safely reach.  The building team will now consider the options and advise the PCC.
 
Simon Starkey
August 2024